Monday, April 7, 2014

Through the eyes of an 1894 Kodak Panoram No. 1

Nice, right? Sharp, clear, colorful, even panoramic. It was taken just this winter with a 120-year-old Kodak Panoram No. 1 by local artist and founder of Range GalleryKathleen McFadden.

McFadden only uses film in her photography, and like a lot of photogs, enjoys shooting with vintage cameras (including an 1960s Diana, and a 1927 Kodak Brownie). Yet this piece is among her oldest, which she describes as a "little jewelbox." McFadden had the bellows replaced, the exterior spruced up and the insides widened a bit to accommodate modern 120 mm film.

Blogger Cameramonkey agrees that this is an unique — and intuitive — camera for users, and per Camerapedia, it's a part of a family of swing-lens panoramics from Eastman Kodak made between 1899-1928. The No. 1 was discontinued in 1926.

In 1910, the No. 1 model went for $10; an extra $1.75 got you a black leather carrying case and shoulder strap.

McFadden currently has three 17 by 54-inch images taken from her No. 1 at the gallery, as well as panoramic cards for sale.

"I just love the old stuff," McFadden writes, "bringing something back to life, seeing how it sees the modern world. Neato."